Okay, so I can't remember where I read it and I can't find it now, but I once saw a good breakdown of the resources consumed and pollution created by producing one pound of tofu halfway across the world, versus one pound of beef in your backyard. The conclusion was that tofu produced far away was by far the more environmentally friendly choice.

Has anyone seen a good source for comparing vegetarian proteins or meat in that way?

_________________my roommate spilled tuna juice on the bathroom floor while he was eating on the toilet! should i bleach the floor or just tear up the tile? - acrVegan Coloradical

Okay, so I can't remember where I read it and I can't find it now, but I once saw a good breakdown of the resources consumed and pollution created by producing one pound of tofu halfway across the world, versus one pound of beef in your backyard. The conclusion was that tofu produced far away was by far the more environmentally friendly choice.

Has anyone seen a good source for comparing vegetarian proteins or meat in that way?

Okay, so I can't remember where I read it and I can't find it now, but I once saw a good breakdown of the resources consumed and pollution created by producing one pound of tofu halfway across the world, versus one pound of beef in your backyard. The conclusion was that tofu produced far away was by far the more environmentally friendly choice.

Has anyone seen a good source for comparing vegetarian proteins or meat in that way?

Everyone gave great suggestions already. I'd add that expanded space for grazing (whether you're raising cattle "humanely"or just free-range) means less land for wildlife. Animal agriculture has been a major destroyer of wildlife habitat as well as just outright killing nuisance wildlife. I don't have stats at my fingertips, but should be relatively easy to google.

To me, though, it always comes down to the fact that animal lives' are their own. They don't belong to me to breed, herd, milk, steal eggs from, confine, exploit through entertainment, test cosmetics and drugs on, shave, pluck, or kill. That my choices happen to have an ecological, human welfare, or health benefit is just icing.

To me, though, it always comes down to the fact that animal lives' are their own. They don't belong to me to breed, herd, milk, steal eggs from, confine, exploit through entertainment, test cosmetics and drugs on, shave, pluck, or kill. That my choices happen to have an ecological, human welfare, or health benefit is just icing.

+1 to that!

However, what I think is most important in this context is getting across a message which encourages people to reduce their meat consumption or eliminate meat entirely from their diet, which may be most effectively done by appealing to those extra benefits. I've certainly found people are more willing to listen if your suggestions come from a perspective of something which they already care about, such as the environmental impact of meat, but I still always try to bring in the ethical side of veganism too if I can. I'm sure you'll do great :)

_________________Some woopiter from Jupiter then says, and I quote: "That can't be true because I read otherwise online. Just look on Youtube." - torque

_________________Yay, and verily he said unto them, "Eat this nooch for it tastes kind of like cheese, and drink this kombucha for it is awesome. And don't be a vegan hating douche because no one likes an asshat." - DancesWithTofu